Airports have a way of turning even the calmest traveler into a bundle of nerves—add a pet into the mix and suddenly you’re juggling crates, paperwork, and the gnawing worry of whether the airline staff will treat your animal with the same care you do. The Aer Lingus Pet Policy doesn’t sugarcoat things: cats and dogs are welcome, but only in the aircraft hold. No cozy cabin spot under the seat, no quick peek to reassure a nervous pup mid‑flight. It’s a hard line, and for some, a dealbreaker.

Still, there’s a rhythm to it once you know the drill. Booking through IAG Cargo feels clunky compared to the slick online check‑ins passengers get, but it’s the only way. Health certificates, microchips, rabies vaccinations—every detail has to line up or you’ll be stuck at the cargo desk with a very confused animal and a very annoyed agent. And yes, those cargo desks are often tucked away in some industrial corner of the airport, miles from the main terminal, which means lugging a crate across asphalt in the rain isn’t out of the question.

Travelers swap stories—some reassuring, some not. Pets do ride in climate‑controlled holds, but anyone who’s stood at baggage claim waiting for a crate knows the feeling: heart racing, eyes darting, hoping the animal comes out quickly and in one piece. Aer Lingus insists the process is safe, and most of the time it is, but the lack of cabin option leaves owners feeling helpless.

So why bother? For many, it’s the routes. Aer Lingus connects Ireland to North America with decent fares, and if you’re moving house or heading home long‑term, the cargo option is better than leaving a pet behind. The policy is strict, but it’s workable—if you prepare, if you accept the quirks, if you’re ready for the occasional headache.

What Animals Are Accepted

• Domestic cats and dogs only. No rabbits, ferrets, parrots, or exotic critters.
• Guide dogs are the exception—they can travel in the cabin, but only under strict conditions and routes.
• Advance booking required through IAG Cargo, not at the passenger desk.

And yes, this means calling or emailing a cargo agent, which feels oddly old‑school in 2026 when everything else is app‑based.

Cabin Options (Or Lack Thereof)

Here’s the kicker: Aer Lingus doesn’t allow pets in the cabin. Other European airlines do—Lufthansa, KLM, Iberia—but Aer Lingus stands firm. If cabin travel is a dealbreaker, you’ll need another airline.

So what’s left? The aircraft hold. Pets are loaded as cargo, but not tossed in with suitcases. They’re handled separately, with climate control and ventilation. Still, anyone who’s ever waited nervously at baggage claim knows the anxiety of wondering if the crate made it.

Booking Process

• Contact IAG Cargo directly.
• Provide details: species, breed, weight, crate dimensions.
• Health certificates and vaccination records are mandatory.
• EU Pet Travel Scheme rules apply for entry into Ireland. Notify the Department of Agriculture at least 24 hours before arrival if coming from outside the EU.

Travel Guidelines

• Crates: Must meet IATA standards—sturdy, lockable, with ventilation.
• Food & water: Small dish attached inside the crate.
• Check‑in: Pets cannot be dropped at the passenger desk. They’re processed separately through cargo facilities.
• Routes: Not all Aer Lingus flights accept pets. Always confirm availability.

Fees

Aer Lingus doesn’t publish a neat fee chart. Costs vary depending on route, weight, and crate size. Expect cargo‑style pricing, not the flat cabin pet fee you see on other airlines.

Entry Requirements

• Ireland & EU: Must comply with EU Pet Travel Rules (microchip, rabies vaccination, pet passport).
• UK (excluding Northern Ireland): Treated as non‑EU, so stricter checks.
• USA & Canada: Additional paperwork required—contact consulates or USDA/CFIA for details.

The Human Side of Flying Pets

Anyone who’s dealt with airline policies knows the drill: rules look neat on paper, but reality is messy. Cargo desks can be tucked away in industrial zones near airports—lugging a crate there isn’t fun. And while Aer Lingus insists pets are safe in the hold, travelers swap stories of delays, missed connections, and the nerve‑wracking wait at arrivals.

There’s also the emotional side. No cabin option means no chance to peek under the seat and reassure a nervous animal. For some, that’s a dealbreaker. For others, it’s just another hoop in the endless circus of modern air travel.

Quick Comparison: Aer Lingus vs Other Airlines

Tips for Travelers

• Double‑check routes. Not every Aer Lingus flight accepts pets.
• Book early. Cargo slots are limited.
• Prepare paperwork. Rabies vaccination, microchip, EU pet passport.
• Arrive early. Cargo check‑in takes longer than passenger check‑in.

Final Thoughts

Aer Lingus Pet Policy is clear but restrictive. Cats and dogs can fly, but only in the hold. Cabin travel isn’t an option, which puts Aer Lingus behind competitors for pet‑friendly travel. Still, for those committed to the airline—maybe for its transatlantic routes or Irish connections—the cargo process works if handled carefully.